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Fertility Tests - Laparoscopy, HSG
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Laparoscopy
The laparoscopy is an outpatient surgical procedure used to treat many conditions that cause infertility including endometriosis, tubal blockage, cysts, fibroids, and others. Two small incisions are made; one at the belly button and the other at the pubic hair line. The laparoscope, which is a small  “telescope like” device, is inserted through one of the openings and operative tools are inserted through the other. There is usually little pain associated with the laparoscopy, depending upon the procedure(s) preformed.
Advanced laparoscopy should be performed by a reproductive endocrinologist/infertility specialist. These specialists have extensive advanced training in laparoscopic surgery and can often treat conditions during the laparoscopic procedure. Many times this eliminates the need for a second “treatment” laparoscopy.
With advanced laparoscopy oftentimes we can avoid the large abdominal incision which require approximately six weeks of recovery compared to the 1-2 weeks (depending on the procedure) with laparoscopic surgery.
Most procedures last about 1-2 hours and the patient can go home the same day. Advanced laparoscopy can result in fewer adhesions (scar tissue) and the benefit of removing most of the disease such as Endometriosis.
The recovery times for laparoscopy are much shorter than that for more invasive procedures, such as the laparotomy or open abdominal surgery.
Hysterosalpingogram, HSG
The hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray evaluation performed at the outpatient surgery department of the hospital. In the HSG, a radio opaque dye is injected into the uterus and sequential x-rays are taken as the dye travels  through the uterus and fallopian tubes. This test is typically performed between cycle days six and ten.
If there is a blockage of the fallopian tubes, it shows as a collection of the dye at the point of the obstruction. The dye also shows the size and shape of the uterus.
HSG, Overview
- On the first day of your menstrual cycle, call and schedule the HSG. The HSG is done after your period and before ovulation, usually between cycle days 6 and 10. (Note: After scheduling the test, notify us if your period is abnormal in any way.)
- Please check with your nurse concerning the medications you can take prior to the HSG. In general, you may take ibuprofen 600 mg or similar over the counter pain medications.
- You will be at the hospital for approximately 1.5 hours and the actual procedure takes about thirty minutes.
- The physician will insert a speculum into the vagina followed by a small catheter that will be used to inject the dye into the uterus. You will be asked to roll from side to side so that the dyes passage can be observed and x-rays taken. You may experience “menstrual like” cramping.
- After 15 minutes, two delayed x-rays may be taken to insure that the fallopian tubes are completely open.
Fertility Tests
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